The Golden Retriever is the US’ third most popular dog breed for good reason. These canines are friendly, loyal, and patient, making them a great choice for a loving companion and a family dog.
But what if you live in an apartment? Can golden retrievers live in apartments? After all, don’t medium to large dogs like Goldies need a big house with a big yard to move around in?
A Golden Retriever will likely have problems staying in a tiny, cramped apartment, yes. Aside from being larger dogs, Goldies are energetic and thrive in homes with ample space. However, they can be happy in roomier apartments, provided you take care of their needs.
Read on to learn more about why Golden Retrievers can live in apartments!
3 Great Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Can Live in Apartments
So why, exactly, are Golden Retrievers good for apartments? Let’s find out!
1. They’re highly trainable
Golden Retrievers are exceptionally clever dogs; on the list of the smartest dog breeds, Goldies rank #4, placing them just behind German Shepherds, Poodles, and Border Collies.
In addition to being intelligent, Golden Retrievers are eager to please their owners. If they see you as family, they’ll prioritize your happiness and avoid upsetting you.
These two reasons are why Golden Retrievers are easy to train. Their brilliance allows them to understand and learn new commands quickly, while their desire to please encourages them to obey you as much as possible.
With proper training, a Golden Retriever can therefore become an extremely well-behaved pet who’s just perfect for apartment living. They won’t chew your furniture and other possessions. They won’t make the kind of ruckus that can annoy your neighbors and get you kicked out of the building. And they’ll relieve themselves only when and where it’s appropriate.
2. They’re friendly
Goldies are among the most affectionate dogs in the world. They’re generally trusting of humans and won’t bark at every stranger they encounter in the hallways. While their cordial nature makes them poor guard dogs, it also means you won’t have to worry about your pooch making anyone nervous to be your neighbor. In fact, if you run into a neighbor outside your apartment, your Goldie is far more likely to greet them with a smile and a wagging tail than a snarl.
These dogs are also easy to socialize with humans, dogs, and other animals. The more socialized they are, the less they’ll perceive every stranger as a threat that needs to be barked at.
It’s best to start socializing dogs as early as possible. So if you want your Goldie to never behave aggressively toward anyone, you can start introducing them to other people and pets while they’re still puppies.
3. They’re quiet
There are few things neighbors hate more than noisy dogs… except maybe for noisy dogs living in an apartment complex.
Like most other dogs, Golden Retrievers bark, especially when they feel threatened by strangers encroaching on their territory. Remember what we said earlier about Goldies making poor watchdogs, though? Thanks to being friendlier and more trusting than most dogs, you can expect them to bark less often than other breeds. They’ve certainly got nothing on infamously vocal nightmares such as Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Miniature Schnauzers.
You should also remember that Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs who are easy to train, so teaching them to cut down on the barking is definitely doable.
Golden Retrievers can also become a nuisance when they’re releasing pent-up energy. They may run around the apartment, jump onto furniture, and knock things over, creating a racket that can have the neighbors seething. Fortunately, there’s a way around this problem: make sure your dog gets lots of physical and mental exercise. Goldies are high-energy dogs, you see; if they don’t get the exercise they need, they may end up resorting to troubling behavior such as destructive chewing or bursts of hyperactivity colloquially known as “zoomies.”
6 Tips on How to Ensure Your Golden Retriever is Happy in an Apartment
So we’ve established that Golden Retrievers can live in apartments. But how can you guarantee your Goldie stays happy in one?
1. Give them lots of physical and mental stimulation
Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs who need to engage in lots of physical and mental activities to stay happy. If you fail to meet these needs, they can become bored and upset, which can result in unruly behavior.
Walk your dog at least twice a day. Play games with them such as fetch and tug of war. Take them to dog parks, doggy swimming pools, and other dog-friendly places. All this will ensure your dog gets to release their pent-up energy, therefore reducing the risk of troublesome behaviors such as excessive barking and chewing. Take note, however: if your apartment has particularly thin walls, you should play with your dog outside, as the noise they make during all the excitement may annoy your neighbors.
In addition, make sure to exercise your dog’s mind regularly. Give them lots of toys, especially those that have them solving puzzles. Train them new commands and have them practice old ones. You should also consider enrolling them in obedience classes. All these activities will nourish their mind and prevent them from acting out.
2. Train them
Training is extremely beneficial for dogs.
For starters, it strengthens the human-canine bond, which helps dogs develop confidence. This can reduce their anxiety and stress levels, therefore decreasing the risk of issues such as excessive barking.
Of course, training also teaches a dog which behaviors are acceptable and which aren’t. As mentioned earlier, you can train any dog to bark less. This typically takes time and patience, but as Golden Retrievers aren’t big on barking in the first place, you’ll have a less challenging experience training them.
Training is especially important for apartment dogs, as you don’t want them peeing and pooping inside your home. Potty train them as early as possible, and make sure they relieve themselves during walks.
3. Consider the space
While Golden Retrievers can live in apartments, keep in mind that these are fairly large dogs who’ll be more comfortable in a home that gives them ample space to move around.
Any tiny, cramped living space, whether it’s a house or an apartment, won’t make a good home for a Goldie. The lack of room can stress them out, which, in turn, can lead to undesirable behaviors such as chewing, barking, and inappropriate soiling.
If you live in a small apartment, consider getting a tiny, low-energy dog such as a Pug or French Bulldog instead of a medium to large pooch such as a Golden Retriever.
4. Don’t leave them alone for too long
Because they’re highly sociable animals, Golden Retrievers have a tough time being alone for extended periods. So if you’re living by yourself, and your work takes you away from home for eight or more hours a day, you’re better off getting another breed.
Alternatively, you can have someone take care of your pooch for you while you’re gone. You can avail of the services of reputable pet sitters, doggy daycares, and dog walkers to ensure your pet enjoys plenty of social interaction. Or you could just have a friend or neighbor take care of them during your work hours – just make sure they love your dog and are eager to spend time with them.
Remember, loneliness can make a dog do some crazy, potentially destructive things, especially a dog with as much energy as a Golden Retriever. Do your best to ensure they don’t feel neglected and unloved.
5. Take safety precautions
If your apartment isn’t ground level, windows and balconies can expose an energetic Goldie to danger.
To prevent your pooch from accidentally jumping out the window and getting injured (or worse), consider installing safety guards on your windows. You should also never leave your pooch unattended while they’re on a balcony.
6. Groom your dog
Golden Retrievers shed a lot, so it won’t be long before you find their long, golden locks everywhere in your apartment.
To avoid this mess, brush your dog’s hair at least every two days using a slicker brush, then use a de-shedding tool on their coat. This removes the loose hair and fur, preventing them from getting all over the place.
7 Factors to Consider Before Getting an Apartment Dog
Thinking of getting a Golden Retriever to accompany you in your apartment? Consider the following factors, first:
1. Are pets allowed?
If the apartment complex doesn’t allow pets, then you have no choice but to obey the rules. Or you could move to another apartment!
2. Size
Buildings generally have weight restrictions on pet dogs. Some, for example, only allow small dogs. Thankfully, many are fine with medium to large dogs such as Golden Retrievers.
3. Space
As discussed above, Golden Retrievers thrive in homes that give them lots of space to roam and play. If the apartment is tiny, consider getting a smaller dog.
4. Noise
When you live in an apartment, you share your walls and floor with your neighbors, which means any loud noise your dog makes will be heard by and potentially irritate said neighbors. For this reason, it’s best that you get a dog who doesn’t make much noise – such as the Golden Retriever.
5. Schedule
How long will your work and other activities take you away from your apartment and your dog? Some dog breeds can’t stand being alone – the Golden Retriever being one of them. Either get yourself a dog who enjoys their solitude, or make sure someone you trust takes care of your Golden Retriever while you’re not around.
6. Activity Level
Is your dog the type who needs lots of physical and mental activity? If so, you have two choices: either you get yourself a calm, laidback dog who’s more than happy to do nothing all day, or you make an effort to provide an energetic dog with all the physical and mental stimulation they need. If you want a Golden Retriever as your apartment pet, it’ll be the latter.
7. Damage
How much would it cost you if your dog damages the apartment? Most dogs love to chew, especially when bored. Thankfully, Goldies are highly trainable, so with enough instruction, they can be dissuaded from gnawing on everything in sight. You should also ensure your pet gets the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay happy, as a happy dog is far less likely to behave inappropriately.
Conclusion
Yes, Golden Retrievers are good for apartments! They’re highly trainable, making it easy to teach them how to become obedient, well-behaved pets. Their friendly nature will ensure they never threaten any of your neighbors. And while they do bark, they’re not as obnoxious as other breeds.
As long as you make continued efforts to provide your Goldie with the physical and mental stimulation they require to be happy, they can be the perfect apartment dog for you.